Wider impacts of microfinance institutions: issues and concepts

Abstract The paper distinguishes between a ‘wider’ definition of wider impacts (which takes into account feedbacks from impacts to institutional performance) and a ‘narrower’ definition, which does not. In respect of both definitions, the paper sets out a typology of the effects which need to be measured (cultural, economic, social and political) and of the levels at which each of these impacts needs to be assessed (local, regional and national). The purpose is not to set out a blueprint for specific studies but rather to offer a framework which may be useful for guiding the methodology of such studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.